Trump Campaigns for Marshall in Tight Kansas Senate Race

President Donald Trump is scheduled to campaign today, October 19, 2026, in Park City, Kansas, to support incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall, who faces an unexpectedly tight re-election bid partly due to reports he sued over 700 patients for unpaid medical bills[1][11][12][13]. This race is one of a handful that could decide control of the U.S. Senate in the November 3 midterm elections[2][4][6].

This closely watched Senate contest in a historically Republican state shows how past professional conduct and national political figures can reshape local elections, directly affecting voters' representation and the balance of power in Congress[1][2][25].

What the records show

A New York Times analysis of Kansas court records indicates that during his decades as an obstetrician-gynecologist, Senator Roger Marshall and his practice, Heartland Regional OBGYN, filed debt-collection lawsuits against more than 700 patients for unpaid bills[13][15][16][17]. Of these cases, 81 patients reportedly faced arrest warrants for missing court dates[13][14][16]. Some lawsuits concerned amounts as low as $101, and Marshall sometimes listed himself as the plaintiff[15]. His practice also reportedly charged 18% interest on these debts[15].

Campaign developments

President Trump's rally today in Park City, Kansas, aims to bolster Senator Marshall's campaign[1][5][10][11]. The Republican National Convention announced Trump's visit[5]. Chris Grant, a top Trump political operative, has joined Marshall's campaign, signaling Republican efforts to defend the seat[7][8][9].

The competitive race

Multiple polls suggest the Kansas Senate race is much closer than political analysts predicted[2]. The Pollsmax polling average shows Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton slightly ahead of Marshall, 46.4% to 45.6%[31][33]. Another polling average indicates Hamilton leads Marshall 45.6% to 45.4%[32]. This unexpected challenge for Marshall is attributed partly to the medical billing controversy and Hamilton's broad appeal[25][27].

Candidate positions

President Trump has defended Senator Marshall, stating he was “mandated by Law to request money owed from patients”[18][20][21]. Trump praised Marshall as “absolutely GREAT” and “one of my favorite Senators”[18][20]. He criticized Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton as a “Trump Deranged Phony” and a “Radical Left Dumocrat” who “pretends to be a 'Moderate,' but he's not!”[21][26]. Adam Hamilton, a pastor and founder of the largest United Methodist congregation in the U.S., has focused his campaign on healthcare and the cost of living[2][3][22][23]. He has also highlighted the experiences of patients Marshall sued over medical debt[24][28]. Hamilton has positioned himself as a candidate attempting to bridge political divides and appeal to moderate voters[27].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific outcomes for all patients sued by Senator Marshall's medical practice beyond the 81 cases where arrest warrants were reportedly issued for missed court dates. The evidence does not specify the current status of these debts or any subsequent legal actions for all 700-plus patients.